The Ultimate 10-Day Italy Road Trip: From Rome to Venice (and Everywhere in Between!)
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Italy is one of those destinations that never goes out of style. It’s packed with ancient history, incredible food, stunning architecture, and postcard-worthy landscapes. It was always on our bucket list to visit the country and shortly after getting married, we took the leap to visit with another couple!
On this trip, we set out to experience a mix of big-city highlights, hidden gems, coastal beauty, and even a new country tucked inside Italy’s borders. From ancient Rome to the colorful cliffs of Cinque Terre, Tuscan sunsets, and the canals of Venice, every day brought a new adventure. We visited over Thanksgiving which allowed us to maximize our PTO.
Here’s how we spent 8 days exploring some of the best of Italy. Use this itinerary as inspiration when planning your own adventure!
Day 1: Arrival in Rome
After landing in Rome, we checked into our hotel and dove straight into sightseeing. A great way to start your trip is with something unique and slightly off the beaten path like visiting the Catacombs of San Callisto. These underground burial tunnels give you a fascinating (and slightly eerie) glimpse into early Christian history. We paired this with some great local pizza & pasta plus getting lost walking around the historic city.
Travel Tip: The Catacombs are closed on Wednesdays, so plan accordingly.
WHERE TO STAY:
Budget: Ginevra Palace Hotel – A simple, budget-friendly choice offering clean rooms, air-conditioning, and free WiFi. Great value for staying near the center without splurging.
Moderate: The Glam Hotel Rome – A stylish boutique hotel in the heart of Rome, just steps from the Trevi Fountain and Spanish Steps. Sleek design, comfortable rooms, and a rooftop terrace make it a perfect mid-range option.
Luxury: Hotel Eden - Dorchester Collection – One of Rome’s most iconic luxury stays, offering refined interiors, world-class service, and a rooftop restaurant with sweeping city views.
Day 2: Ancient Rome Highlights
No trip to Rome is complete without diving into its ancient wonders. We explored:
Colosseum & Palatine Hill – iconic ruins where gladiators once fought.
Roman Forum – walking through what was once the center of Roman life.
Spanish Steps – a great people-watching spot.
Trevi Fountain – toss in a coin to ensure your return to Rome (don’t skip the nearby gelato at San Crispino!).
Pantheon – one of the best-preserved buildings of ancient Rome.
By night, we switched gears and explored Rome’s nightlife, starting with the Ice Bar, then hopping around lively spots for a true Roman evening out.
Travel Tip: Rome’s nightlife doesn’t really kick off until late. Plan for a slow morning after (don’t make the mistake we did and plan an early morning Vatican tour the next day…).
Day 3: Vatican City, Piazzas & Markets
You can’t come to Rome without visiting the Vatican. Spend the morning exploring St. Peter’s Basilica, the Vatican Museums, and of course, the Sistine Chapel with Michelangelo’s famous ceiling.
Afterwards, we headed over to Piazza Navona, one of the most beautiful squares in the city, lined with fountains, cafes, and street performers. Then wander through Campo de’ Fiori, explore the lively streets of Trastevere, and don’t miss the Jewish Ghetto, one of Rome’s most fascinating neighborhoods for both history and food.
Travel Tip: Buy tickets for the Vatican online in advance to skip the long lines. If you want a truly special experience, consider booking a guided early morning tour to see the Sistine Chapel before the crowds.
Day 4: Road Trip to Pisa & Overnight in Livorno
We left Rome behind and began our road trip north. But first, picking our rental car was an experience all of its own. Driving in Rome is a whole experience! As we were getting onto a highway, the car behind us “bumped us” to get moving faster!
Our first stop? Pisa. The Leaning Tower never disappoints, it’s one of those landmarks you simply have to see in person. We explored the Piazza dei Miracoli, snapped the classic tower photos, and enjoyed lunch in town.
Instead of pushing further, we overnighted in Livorno, a port city known for seafood and canals. This gave us a slower pace before heading to Cinque Terre the next day.
WHERE TO STAY:
Budget: Hotel Città – A simple, budget-friendly option in central Livorno, offering comfortable rooms with air-conditioning and private bathrooms. Perfect for exploring the city without overspending.
Moderate: Max Hotel Livorno – A modern 4-star hotel with free parking and a fitness center. Conveniently located near the port, it balances comfort, style, and value for a relaxed mid-range stay.
Luxury: Grand Hotel Palazzo Livorno – Overlooking the Tyrrhenian Sea, this 5-star hotel offers elegant rooms, a spa, and an outdoor pool. Ideal for travelers seeking a luxurious stay with top-tier amenities and panoramic views.
Day 5: Cinque Terre Hiking Day Trip
From Livorno, we set out for a day in Cinque Terre, one of the most breathtaking coastal regions in Italy. We hiked between some of the five villages, enjoying pastel-colored houses perched on cliffs above the Mediterranean.
Our highlights included:
Vernazza – perhaps the most picturesque village.
Monterosso al Mare – a perfect spot for lunch and a swim when weather is warmer.
Corniglia – quieter, with stunning views.
By evening, we made our way to the Tuscan countryside for an overnight stay.
Travel Tip: Wear sturdy shoes, bring water and be prepared for steps. The hikes are worth it, but not always easy!
WHERE TO STAY:
Budget: Palazzo delle Erbe – Located in Casole d'Elsa, this charming hotel offers comfortable rooms with free WiFi and breakfast included. It's a great base for exploring the Tuscan countryside without breaking the bank.
Moderate: Villa Sabolini – Situated in Colle di Val d'Elsa, this hotel features a pool, free parking, and breakfast. It's an ideal choice for travelers seeking comfort and convenience at a reasonable price.
Luxury: Castello di Casole – Stunning restored castle offering spacious, luxurious accommodations, modern amenities, and picturesque views over vineyards and countryside, perfect for an indulgent escape.
Day 6: Full Day in Florence
We woke up early and departed to Florence. It’s a city that begs you to slow down and soak in every detail, and we dedicated an entire day to doing just that.
We started with a visit to the Uffizi Gallery, where Botticelli’s Birth of Venus and countless Renaissance masterpieces reminded us why Florence is the birthplace of so much art and culture. Of course, the Duomo is a must. Climbing to the top of Brunelleschi’s dome gave us sweeping views of the terracotta rooftops and Tuscan hills beyond. The streets themselves feel like an open-air museum, and wandering between Ponte Vecchio with its glittering jewelry shops and the bustling stalls of San Lorenzo Market was half the fun.
We ended the day at Piazzale Michelangelo, watching the sun set over the Arno River as Florence glowed golden in the evening light, an unforgettable way to close out a perfect day.
Travel Tip: Book your Uffizi and Duomo tickets online ahead of time to avoid the long lines.
WHERE TO STAY:
Budget: Hotel David – Classic Florence hotel with comfortable rooms, centrally located for easy access to the Duomo, markets, and historic sites.
Moderate: Hotel Pitti Palace al Ponte Vecchio – Situated in the historic Torre dei Rossi, this 4-star hotel offers a prime location just steps from the iconic Ponte Vecchio. Rooms feature modern comforts, and the rooftop terrace provides panoramic views of Florence. Guests can enjoy easy access to major attractions like the Uffizi Gallery and Palazzo Pitti.
Luxury: Hotel Savoy – Located in the heart of Florence, Hotel Savoy offers a blend of historic grandeur and modern luxury. The newly renovated lobby, designed by Emilio Pucci, sets the tone for the hotel's elegant ambiance. Guests can indulge in refined dining at the hotel's restaurant and enjoy spacious suites with stunning views of the city.
Day 7: San Marino & Thanksgiving Feast
We left Florence and drove east to the tiny independent Republic of San Marino, one of the world’s oldest & smallest countries, perched on a mountaintop. The views from the fortress towers are absolutely spectacular. We enjoyed walking along the walls of the city with beautiful views.
That evening, we celebrated Thanksgiving in style with a 5-course chef’s dinner at Osteria La Taverna Righi in San Marino. A once-in-a-lifetime way to spend the holiday abroad!
WHERE TO STAY:
Budget: Hotel Joli – A charming, family-run hotel located just a 5-minute walk from the historic center. Offers free WiFi, air-conditioned rooms, and a restaurant serving traditional Italian cuisine.
Moderate: Hotel Titano – Situated in the heart of San Marino's old town, this hotel offers comfortable rooms with modern amenities. Guests can enjoy the on-site restaurant and bar, and some rooms offer views of the historic center.
Luxury: Grand Hotel San Marino – An elegant 4-star hotel overlooking the Montefeltro Valley, offering refined rooms, a spa, and a restaurant serving both international and regional cuisine.
Day 8: Arrival in Venice
We drove north to Venice, dropped off the rental car at the airport, and then boarded a boat into the city. There’s something magical about approaching Venice for the first time by water.
We spent the evening relaxing with dinner, a glass of wine, and a slow walk along the canals as the city lit up.
WHERE TO STAY:
Budget: Hotel Antiche Figure – A charming hotel located along the Grand Canal, offering comfortable rooms with classic Venetian decor. Guests appreciate its proximity to the train station and the welcoming staff.
Moderate: Hotel Papadopoli Venezia - MGallery – Set in the heart of Venice, this boutique hotel blends 18th-century Venetian elegance with modern amenities. Guests can enjoy views of the Papadopoli Gardens or the Tolentini Canal, and indulge in local cuisine at the Giardino d'Inverno restaurant.
Luxury: Hotel Danieli, a Luxury Collection Hotel – An iconic hotel located near St. Mark's Basilica, offering opulent rooms with antique furnishings and stunning views of the lagoon. Guests can dine at the rooftop restaurant, enjoying panoramic vistas of Venice.
Day 9: Exploring Venice
Venice is a city that feels like a dream, and we dedicated the entire day to discovering its magic. The morning was spent wandering through the Piazza San Marco, where St. Mark’s Basilica and the Doge’s Palace tower over the lively square. Getting lost in the maze of canals and bridges became part of the adventure. Every corner revealed charming shops, cozy cafés, and hidden courtyards.
In the afternoon, we took a boat to the nearby island of Murano, world-famous for its blown glass. Watching the artisans at work and picking out a piece to bring home was a highlight, a true connection to Venice’s artistry and heritage. We returned to the city for a slow evening stroll along the canals, capping off the day with cicchetti (Venetian tapas) and wine at a local bacaro.
Travel Tip: Take a vaporetto (water bus) to Murano instead of a pricey private boat. It's a more affordable and authentic way to travel like the locals.
Day 10: Departure
After one sunrise and stroll through the city, it was time to say goodbye. Italy had given us 10 unforgettable days of food, history, adventure, and memories that will last forever.
This 10-day itinerary gave us a taste of so many sides of Italy: the ancient history of Rome, the quirky charm of Pisa, the colorful villages of Cinque Terre, the art and food of Florence, the mountaintop wonder of San Marino, and the romance of Venice.
Italy is a country that always leaves you wanting more, and that’s the best part. Because with every trip, there’s always another piazza to explore, another vineyard to sip from, and another sunset to watch.
Ready to start planning your own Italian adventure? Don’t wait… book your trip, map out your dream route, and start packing your bags. Italy is calling, and it’s time to answer!
